Page 123 of Rainbow Rodeo

“We were all super worried.” Tank knew from long weeks in the hospital over time that the nurses were the patients’ and families’ lifelines.

“Sure. He was stabbed? How messed-up is that? Does he need, like, police protection?”

“We’re waiting for the sheriff, but the guy is still at large, yes.” Rage clouded his vision for a moment. “Don’t you worry. Protecting cowboys is my job. Protecting this one is my calling.”

“He’s a lucky guy, then. I need you to stop here and wash up, please.”

“You got it.” Tank scrubbed up to his elbows.

Dalton was muttering, talking to himself restlessly, when he walked in.

“Hey, baby.” He kept his voice low so he didn’t bother anyone, but he knew Dalton heard him because his lover stilled.

“Tank. Tank, it’s not Chip.”

“I know, baby. I know. The law is looking for Rocket, and Chip is just fine.” He knew the goofy-mind feeling of anesthetic. All he had to do was repeat stuff until it got through.

Those blue eyes popped open. “Tank.”

“Hey. Do you remember your momma coming in?”

“I do. I think so. Tired, huh?”

“Sure you are. Doc says you’re healthy as a horse.”

“Strawberry. Did someone put her away? She’s safe?”

“Darius and Dakota took care of everyone.” He knew no one would have let Strawberry go untended.

“The babies?”

Lord have mercy, someone was going to have to let those kids grow up. Thank goodness for Denver and Linda.

“They’ve got all the help in the world. Julio is there, and so are my boys.”

“Right. Stay? I don’t understand what happened. I just don’t get it.”

“I think I have the whole picture, but you’re safe now, and we can just let you rest.” He pulled up a chair, because there was one, and had a sit.

“You still got your makeup on.”

“My bag is still out in the truck. I’ll run change when they come take you to your room.”

“I don’t mind. I know it’s you under there.”Goofy man.

“Good. Some kids are scared of me just on sight.” He picked a spot with no needles or anything so he could touch Dalton’s arm.

“I know. I mean, that sucks.” Dalton blinked, the action getting slower and slower.

“Shhh. You ain’t gonna bother me if you sleep. You need it.”

“Need you. Stay. Please.”

“I’ll be right here, baby. Right here.” He would let Dustin have his time too, but he would stay as long as he could.

“’Kay.” Dalton’s eyes closed, the drugs taking the sweet body over.

Poor man was exhausted, but he was alive and strong enough to be breathing on his own, just a wee oxygen dealie in his nose helping him along. Tank wanted to sit there and bawl.

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